I've discovered that I don't think Ned Stark really had a firm grasp of the intricate web-weaving and conspiracy that's going on behind the scenes; admittedly, he was a self-proclaimed soldier, not a master of intrigue. Stark just didn't seem to understand that people would lie, fabricate claims, assassinate, and back-stab. He was a good man, just outside of his depth. The sad thing was that everyone else knew he didn't have the gusto to lead and kept telling him. He did appear to be a great steward though... likely a high martial and stewarding skill.

That being said, he did basically fabricate a claim of his own when the King died by signing the son's claims on the throne. However, it was too little, too late and ineffective.

Intrigue is just one way to "play" the "Game of Thrones" but it seemed really powerful in the series, not to mention gives you some great opportunities in Crusader Kings. However, I suspect that intrigue, on it's own, will not get you very far, win you many allies, or emerge victorious in many battles.

I've discovered that I don't think Ned Stark really had a firm grasp of the intricate web-weaving and conspiracy that's going on behind the scenes; admittedly, he was a self-proclaimed soldier, not a master of intrigue. Stark just didn't seem to understand that people would lie, fabricate claims, assassinate, and back-stab. He was a good man, just outside of his depth. The sad thing was that everyone else knew he didn't have the gusto to lead and kept telling him. He did appear to be a great steward though... likely a high martial and stewarding skill.

That being said, he did basically fabricate a claim of his own when the King died by signing the son's claims on the throne. However, it was too little, too late and ineffective.

Intrigue is just one way to "play" the "Game of Thrones" but it seemed really powerful in the series, not to mention gives you some great opportunities in Crusader Kings. However, I suspect that intrigue, on it's own, will not get you very far, win you many allies, or emerge victorious in many battles.

Eddard Stark is one of my favorite characters on the show, and you're right to point out that he doesn't have an understanding of the way people were. He has too much honor, something everyone around him lacked.

There's a funny bit in S2 E2,

Spoiler:Tyrion is threatened in a nonchalant way, typical of the eunuch, since he has become the new Hand of the King. Tyrion tells the eunuch that he is not Ned Stark. To which the eunuch responds "Stark was an honorable man". Tyrion promptly replies "and I am not". It was a bad ♥♥♥ moment.

Which is why people of honor, honesty, integrity do not thrive in political arenas. They seldom get things done, because they're too damn nice. You have to be a right 'o bastard to not only seize the reigns of power but keep it as well. Just make sure you pay your historians a good sum of money or the threat of dismemberment to write a good yarn about how honorable, honest, and 'good' you were. Also, don't forget to kill everybody else who might say otherwise.

That's a shame. Best TV show in a decade. Nothing of this quality will ever reach netflix...Lovefilm maybe.

Sorry, but I'm a fan of Game of Thrones, having read the first book when it first hit the shelves and was easily one of the greatest reads I think I ever read at the time. And while the show is quite good, my personal opinion is the acting and filming can't hold a candle to Mad Men, and the first four seasons of that are on Netflix. I don't see any recent TV show coming anywhere near Mad Men's quality. Certainly not Game of Thrones (...an opinion, of course).

Then there's Breaking Bad, The Walking Dead, and The Tudors is pretty good from what I've seen so far and actually a bit more relevant to someone playing Crusader Kings II.

Spartacus: Blood and Sand and the second season prequel to the first season's story both used to be on Netflix and I personally felt were much more entertaining than the first season of Game of Thrones as well. Dexter was a better show on there, too, but now gone. Definitely miss those shows on there.

I could go on, actually. Tons of classic comedy TV series, both old and new. I'm not really a fan of Star Trek but I think every single episode of the old and newer seasons are currently available.

So... Now what was that again about nothing of Game of Thrones quality ever reaching Netflix?

(And I'm only talking about what's currently available on Netflix for instant streaming. Their DVD selection is irrelevant to me.)